Pendleton County Hauntings 2015

The Pendleton County Hauntings of 2015

Background and Historical Context

Pendleton County, West Virginia, has a rich history steeped in folklore and mystery. Nestled along the rugged Appalachian Mountains, it is home to numerous small towns and sprawling forests that have earned their reputation as one of the most haunted places in America. The Pendleton County hauntings of 2015 brought this local legend into the spotlight, with a series of reported paranormal events that garnered significant attention.

The history of Pendleton County can be traced back to its establishment in 1847, when it was carved from parts of Kanawha and Brooke Counties. The region’s earliest settlers were largely of Scotch-Irish descent, bringing with them a rich tradition of storytelling and belief in the supernatural. As early as the late 19th century, local residents began reporting strange occurrences in the woods and around their homes.

Key Events or Sightings (2015)

#### April 4, 2015: The Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office Incident

On April 4, 2015, a group of officers from the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office were called to investigate reports of strange noises and lights in a remote area near the town of Petersburg. The officers arrived at the scene around midnight, where they observed an eerie mist swirling through the forest. They heard faint whispers and saw what appeared to be a shadowy figure moving among the trees. Despite their efforts, no visible evidence was found, but the encounter left the officers shaken.

#### June 12, 2015: The Pendleton County High School Case

On June 12, a group of students from Pendleton County High School reported seeing ghostly figures and hearing disembodied voices in an abandoned building on school property. The incident occurred around 9 PM, with several witnesses describing seeing translucent shapes moving through the structure’s corridors. One student claimed to have been approached by a spectral figure that seemed to be trying to communicate but faded away before any meaningful interaction could occur.

#### July 21, 2015: The Greenbrier Inn Incident

On July 21, guests staying at the historic Greenbrier Inn reported experiencing unexplained phenomena. Multiple witnesses claimed to have seen apparitions in their rooms and heard strange whispers in the walls. A couple from Ohio even reported feeling a cold draft and seeing a figure standing just outside their door before it closed on its own.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Local Resident Testimonies

Local resident Sarah Thompson, who has lived in Pendleton County for over 30 years, shared her account: “I’ve been hearing whispers and footsteps in the woods every night since the spring. It’s like something is watching me, but I can’t see it. Last week, I saw a figure in my bedroom window while I was taking a shower.”

#### Video Evidence

A local paranormal group, the West Virginia Ghost Hunters (WVGH), documented several instances of strange occurrences during their 2015 investigation. A video taken on June 17 near the Pendleton County High School showed flickering lights and an unseen entity moving through the woods. Another clip from July 24 at the Greenbrier Inn captured unusual shadows and shapes in the rooms where guests reported experiencing paranormal activity.

Investigations or Research

#### The West Virginia Ghost Hunters (WVGH)

The WVGH, a dedicated group of paranormal investigators based out of Charleston, West Virginia, took on the challenge of exploring Pendleton County’s hauntings. Led by experienced investigator Mark Hamilton, they conducted several investigations over the summer of 2015. Using advanced equipment such as thermal cameras and EMF detectors, they attempted to capture evidence of the alleged paranormal activity.

#### Other Paranormal Groups

Several other organizations, including the Appalachian Paranormal Research Team (APRT) and the West Virginia Paranormal Society (WVP), also participated in investigations. Their findings were largely inconclusive but did include instances where their equipment registered unusual spikes in temperature and electromagnetic fields.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite the numerous reports and some convincing evidence, the nature of the hauntings remains a mystery. Many theories abound, ranging from residual spirits of Civil War soldiers to energy imbalances caused by seismic activity. Local historians point out that Pendleton County was once home to several mining operations, which could have left behind disturbances in the local geology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Have there been any confirmed sightings or evidence of paranormal activity?

A: While no definitive proof has been found, multiple witnesses and video footage captured by paranormal groups provide compelling anecdotal evidence. The WVGH documented instances where their equipment registered unusual temperature changes and EMF spikes, supporting the possibility of unexplained phenomena.

Q: Is there a specific location that is considered particularly haunted?

A: The abandoned building on Pendleton County High School property and the Greenbrier Inn are frequently cited as hotspots for paranormal activity. Local residents report seeing apparitions in these areas, making them prime locations for investigators to conduct research.

Q: Are local authorities taking any action regarding these reports?

A: While the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office has not initiated formal investigations, they do take reported incidents seriously and provide assistance when necessary. The West Virginia State Police have also been informed of the ongoing paranormal activity but have not yet responded officially.

Q: What is the history behind these reported hauntings?

A: The Pendleton County hauntings can be traced back to early settlers, who brought with them a belief in supernatural entities. Historical accounts mention ghostly sightings and mysterious occurrences dating back to the 19th century, making this area one of the most consistently haunted regions in West Virginia.

Q: Are there any local legends or stories that support these claims?

A: Yes, several local legends contribute to the lore surrounding Pendleton County. One popular tale tells of a Civil War soldier who haunts an abandoned mine, while another speaks of an apparition known as “The Lady in White” seen wandering the hillsides. These stories add depth and intrigue to the ongoing mystery.